The 'Armageddon' actor - who is already in line to direct the movie - has reportedly cast himself in the role of main character Tony Mendez, a CIA exfiltration expert who attempts to get six Americans hiding at the Canadian embassy in Iran out of the nation.

The six characters are disguised as a Hollywood crew who scout a film called 'Argo' as they attempt to flee the Asian country.

The 38-year-old Oscar-winner revealed earlier this year he is not expecting his career to be unblemished, pointing out people have to "take risks".

He previously said: "Failure is just a function of risk. I look at my great heroes as actors and directors and none of them have perfect records. I imagine I will have an even more imperfect record.

"I think you have to still be brave enough to take risks. Today I am enjoying the success. Being number one at the box office is pretty cool. But I've been round the block enough times to know it won't last forever."